Leica Akademie: FRAGMENTS TOWARDS A HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY with Bil Brown – Online – November 14-15, 2020

Description:

Following the history of photography is a secret cultural history.  The photographer both captures and inspires histories of their own.  In this practicum workshop/lecture, we will deliver the key perspectives of the purveyors of photography as cultural workers.  This is not just a course on photographic history but also diving into the mindsets & influences of some of the great artists of the past.  Published photographer Bil Brown will cover the luminous details of individual photographers as authors of their own perspective within the vast and varied history of the little 35mm camera created by Oscar Barnak in the 20th century.  

Photography is not painting, but painters have inspired it.  Photography is not literature, but we tell stories and talk of a visual language.  A relatively new art form in the history of the world, that relies on technology like few other art forms, the history of photography is a cultural history of humanity in motion, captured in an instant and held forever.  We will talk of the key ideas and personas in the history of the photographic medium that relate to the present and future of photography. This intensive three hour, two day weekend practicum-style course will introduce specific concepts that relate to the art of photography, where it came from and where it is going.

Filling in the blanks from surrealism, objectivist and today’s aesthetic position of photographers subjectivity, Bil will cover some of the household names of Leica such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Mary Ellen Mark, and Gordon Parks.  He will also discuss other masters of photography, but also his personal relationship in anecdotes to photographers like Antonie D’Agata and William Eggleston.  The course will also take a deep look at the various movements from not just street photography, but portrait, and fashion that owe thanks to the invention of the Leica and its history.  Using the 2014 book, ”EYES WIDE OPEN: 100 Years of Leica Photography” as a jumping off point for the class, Bil will cover deeper points and other artists to inspire attendees.

Topics covered:

• The influence of 35mm & emerging technologies

• Discovering photographers & styles of influence

• Backstories & discussions of photographers not necessarily written in books

• Key ideas and personas in the history of the photographic medium that relate to the present and future of photography.

• Photographic movements of the past, and where we are today, and a discussion of where photography is going?

Tuition: $199.99
Class Size: 25 Max

Leica Akademie: Inside the Artistic Process with Mark Mann: – Online – October 16th-18th, 2020

Rarely does the opportunity present itself where amateur photographers have the chance to be mentored by a professional photographer. Many times, for many reasons professional photographers, don’t have the time or refuse to mentor photographers, interested in their work and workflow.  This Masterclass with Mark Mann is one of those rare occasions, when a wildly successful, established professional is willing to provide a look into his mind and creative process now online.

Our focus will be on exploring The Artistic Process. Every step will be covered, from the development of a visual concept with a client, to capturing a genuine moment and the production of a final print. You will have the opportunity to work with Mark Mann as he reveals his creative process. It starts with a call from the Art Director and a Mood board is shared. The talent is identified by the client and then the magic begins. Learn how Mark translates the clients vision into the final image.

Strictly limited to only ten participants to ensure a quality experience. This rare chance to spend a weekend with one of today’s leading working professionals will sell out quickly.

TOPICS
* Understanding Editorial Vision
* Lighting
* Posing
* Connecting with People
* Photographic Technique
* Working with a production crew
* Retouching

AGENDA

Friday will consist of two sessions:

Session 1: Noon to 1:30pm – Mark’s introduction and Lighting presentation

Session 2: Mark will talk about working with a model and show techniques for working with models

Saturday will be devoted to shooting a model. Each student will be assigned a 40 minute time slot. The student will direct both the assitant and model remotely and will have an opportunity to shoot both the S3 and SL2 tethered.

Sunday, we will be covering Color and retouching.

Session 1 10am – 12:30pm Mark will step everyone through hs retouching process. Each student will be working on the same image as Mark goes step by step through his process.

Session 2 1:30 – 4pm Students will work on their own images and Mark will be available to help.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Anyone interested in getting a glimpse inside the creative process involved in producing images for a client will benefit from this program. Students will gain Mark’s insight into the problem solving required to deliver the Art Directors vision of an editorial project. Working professionals or those planning to pursue commercial, editorial or portrait photography are strongly urged to register.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

This is not a basic photography workshop. All Leica “Masterclass” programs require that you have a basic understanding of photography techniques and are familiar with your camera. Knowledge of basic printing and retouching concepts will be helpful to ensure that you get the most from the experience.
Owning a Leica is never a requirement to attend one of our workshops. We will have both S and SL cameras available.

SPECIAL NOTES

Enrollment is limited to 10 participants.

INSTRUCTOR
Mark Mann is a celebrity and advertising photographer. He was born in Glasgow, where he lived until he went to study in the prestigious photographic program at Manchester Polytechnic. Before long, the recent graduate was assisting innovative fashion photographers Nick Knight and Miles Aldridge, learning the ropes and building his own body of work. Three years later, Mark started shooting on his own, relocating to New York City.

Mark’s editorial work has appeared in Esquire, Men’s Health, Vibe, Spin, Fortune, Billboard, Parade and Complex, among others. He has shot countless celebrities, including Robert Redford, Michael Douglas, Iggy Pop, Jack Black, the Black Eyed Peas, Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle, Rihanna, Queen Latifah, Simon Baker, Stevie Wonder, Bradley Cooper, Willie Nelson, Sean Connery, John Hamm and Jennifer Hudson. Mark has amassed a sizable advertising portfolio, as well. His clients run the gamut: Reebok, Adidas, Hennessy, Bombay Sapphire, Pepsi, Gillette, Vitamin Water, NHL, Zumba, Ford, Chrysler and Svedka to name a few.

Mark has just completed a yearlong project for Esquire Magazine, “The Life of Man”. He shot 80 American men ages 1 through 80, to celebrate 80 years of Esquire Magazine. This project took Mark to the White House where he was honored to shoot the sitting president, as well as former President Clinton. He also shot numerous other notable people and celebrities all across the country.